Black Friday 2013: Retailers Offer Early Deals

Black Friday 2013 is just three weeks away, and retailers are unveiling deals.

This year, many are starting their big sales a little before the day itself, which happens to fall on November 29.

Why the rush?

There are six less shopping days between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year. It’s just the way the calendar falls, but when it happens, retailers worry that it might translate to decreased holiday spending.

And, as retail analyst Candace Corlett puts it, “There’s a limited number of holiday gift dollars out there, and whoever gets them first, wins.” So when one retailer decides to start sales early, the others follow suit, unwilling to risk losing out on that fixed amount of consumer spending.

Retail giant and trendsetter Wal-Mart hasn’t unveiled its Black Friday deals, but it dipped its toes into holiday advertising when it published its 2013 Holiday Top Toy List in September. Then, on November 1, it announced Early Bird Online Specials, offering deep discounts on a range of electronics.

Got a big wish list? Get a jump on Christmas shopping with Early Bird Online Specials now.
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Kmart sparked controversy when it announced that its stores would be open from 6am on Thanksgiving morning until 11pm on Friday night. Dissenters have been particularly vocal on the company’s Facebook page, prompting the retailer’s social media team to reply that “We understand many associates want to spend time with their families during the holiday. With this in mind Kmart stores do their very best to staff with seasonal associates and those who are needed to work holidays.”

If Twitter is any indication, shoppers are already getting in the mood for Black Friday and holiday shopping: